Program looks at social capital and high-risk drinking

Posted April 7, 2008; 01:13 p.m.

by Staff

A program to explore the question "Would Increasing Social Capital Decrease High-Risk Drinking?" is scheduled for 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 11, in 6 Friend Center.

Three leaders and scholars in higher education each will make a presentation. Those will be followed by a panel discussion featuring all of the speakers at 4 p.m.

The participants are:

Ashley Finley, assistant professor of sociology at Dickinson College. She is a member of the advisory board of Bringing Theory to Practice, a project of the Association of American Colleges and Universities exploring the relationship between student engagement and substance abuse. Finley also serves as the project's evaluation consultant and as associate director for its demonstration and intensive sites.

Karen Tidmarsh, associate professor of English and dean of the college at Bryn Mawr College. As dean, she plays a key role in implementing Bryn Mawr's social honor code, which requires that "each student live with integrity and discretion in her own life and with respect and concern for others."

Adam Weinberg, executive vice president of World Learning and provost of its School for International Training. He was previously a member of the Department of Sociology, vice president and dean of the college at Colgate University, where he developed a pioneering residential education program focused on building the civic capacities of students.

The speakers will explore the issue of whether high-risk drinking begins and ends with the individual involved, or if it is an aspect of campus culture. They will consider if strengthening the community on campus can help counter dangerous behavior and encourage action for the common good.

The event is sponsored by the Pace Center. It is intended to complement the work under way since November by the University's Alcohol Coalition Committee in engaging the community in conversation about high-risk drinking.

Refreshments will be served throughout the program, and a reception will follow.